Obstacles stalling peace deal in Sudan

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- A top U.N. official has expressed concerns over the stalled progress of implementing the comprehensive peace agreement in Sudan.

U.N. Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Edmond Mulet addressed the U.N. Security Council Wednesday on the status of the comprehensive peace agreement in Sudan. Mulet said that despite some progress, implementation of the peace deal faces serious challenges, the United Nations reported.

The peace agreement was established in 2005 after years of civil war between the north and south of Sudan. Mulet said Wednesday that milestones, including the need for elections in the country, among other steps that would move the peace agreement forward, have yet to take place.

"The status of the comprehensive peace agreement implementation remains a mixed picture of slow but continuing progress and a number of major outstanding challenges," Mulet said in a statement.

"The parties have a common interest in keeping the CPA on track, as neither can afford to return to armed conflict."